The ability of repair and regeneration of central nervous system (CNS) is limited. So many researchers applied themselves to search a valuable cell resource for treating severe diseases of the CNS. Several studies from different laboratories have recently reported that stem cells derived from human umbilical cord blood under certain in vitro conditions can manifest neural features that resemble features of neural-derived cells. In vivo transplantation studies have shown that these stem cells persistently engraft in the CNS, some engrafted cells acquire the characteristics of neurons and glia, and improve functional recovery after central nervous system injury. The existence of stem/progenitor cells with previously unappreciated proliferation and differentiation potential in umbilical cord blood raise the possibility that cord blood may provide an efficient source of cells differentiating into the neural lineage, with a potential to be employed in the therapy of human CNS diseases. The achievement and focuses on the mechanisms and modulation of induction of differentiation and in vitro and in vivo studies in this field was reviewed.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Cause of Death ; Child ; Female ; Hematologic Neoplasms ; mortality ; surgery ; Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation ; mortality ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Tissue Donors ; Young Adult

Hot-melt extrusion was applied to prepare mesoporous silica/ethylcellulose mini-matrix for sustained release, and fenofibrate was used as a model drug, ethylcellulose and xanthan gum were chosen as sustained-release agent and releasing moderator, respectively. This novel matrix obtained the controlled release ability by combining mesoporous silica drug delivery system and hot-melt extrusion technology. And mesoporous silica particle (SBA-15) was chosen as drug carrier to increase the dissolution rate of fenofibrate in this martix. Scanning electron microscope, transmission electron microscope, small angle X-ray powder diffraction and N2 adsorption-desorption were introduced to determine the particle morphology, particle size and pore structure of the synthesized SBA-15. The results showed that SBA-15 had a very high Brunauer-Emmett-Teller specific surface area, a narrow pore size distribution, large pore volume and a ordered two-dimensional hexagonal structure of p6mm symmetry. Differential scanning calorimetry and X-ray powder diffraction results demonstrated that fenofibrate dispersed in an amorphous state inside the pores of the mesoporous silica which contributed to the improvement in the dissolution rate. The drug release of mini-matrices was influenced by ethylcellulose viscosity grades and xanthan gum concentration, which increased with the increasing of xanthan gum concentration and decreasing of ethylcellulose viscosity. Mini-matrix containing 22% xanthan gum exhibited a good sustained release performance, and the drug release behavior followed the first-order kinetics.
Adsorption ; Calorimetry, Differential Scanning ; Cellulose ; analogs & derivatives ; Delayed-Action Preparations ; Drug Carriers ; chemistry ; Particle Size ; Porosity ; Powder Diffraction ; Powders ; Silicon Dioxide ; Solubility ; X-Ray Diffraction

AIMTo investigate the chemical constituents of tetraploidy Banlangen (Isatis indigotica Fort.).

METHODSCompounds were separated by chromatography on silica gel. Their structures were determined by spectral analysis and chemical evidence.

RESULTSThree compounds were isolated. Their structures were identified as (E)-2-[(3'-indole) cyanomethylene]-3-indolinone (I), 2-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-4-[(4-hydroxy-3-methoxy-phenyl)-methyl]-3- hydroxymethyl-tetrahydro-furan (II) and 2-methoxy-4-[tetrahydro-4-[(4-hydroxy-3-methoxy-phenyl)-methyl]-3- hydroxymethyl-2-furanyl] phenyl-1-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside (III).

CONCLUSIONCompound I is a new compound.

Indoles ; chemistry ; Isatis ; chemistry ; genetics ; Molecular Structure ; Plant Roots ; chemistry ; Plants, Medicinal ; chemistry ; genetics ; Polyploidy

Objective: To identify a pig model with bilateral external ear defects accompanied by aural atresia and investigate its application in plastic surgery. Methods: Erhualian×Shaziling F₂ pig inbreeding population was introduced, and examination of external ear morphology was conducted in all individuals. Temporal computed tomography scanning and mutational detection of HOXA1 gene were conducted in one affected and one normal individuals. Results: In Erhualian×Shaziling F₂ pig inbreeding population, there were 57 normal and 18 affected individuals among the 75 pigs. Affected subjects presented bilateral external ear defects accompanied by aural atresia; temporal computed tomography scanning showed bilateral aural atresia and dysplasiaof middle ear; and gene detection identified homozygous mutation of HOXA1 gene. Conclusions Pig model with HOXA1 gene homozygous mutation resembles human microtia at different levels. Our findings provide the theoretical basis for its application to study further pathological mechanism for human microtia.

OBJECTIVETo examine the distribution of fluorouracil in gastric cancer (CA), lymph node (LN), normal gastric mucosa (NG), peritoneum (PE), greater omentum (GO) and lesser omentum (LO) by preoperative intraperitoneal chemotherapy with Co-fluorouracil liposome (Co 5-Fu), and offer an experimental basis for clinic practice.

METHODSNinety-six gastric cancer patients were divided into four groups: Co 5-Fu i.v. injection group (Co 5-Fu i.v.), Co 5-Fu intraperitoneal perfusion group (Co 5-Fu i.p.), 5-Fu i.v. injection group (5-Fu i.v.) and intraperitoneal perfusion group (5-Fu i.p.) given on day-2, day-1 and 60 minutes before operation. Fluorouracil concentration in all tissues collected during operation were examined by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).

RESULTSThe fluorouracil concentration in the tissues in Co 5-Fu i.p. group was significantly higher than that in Co 5-Fu i.v. or 5-Fu i.p. group (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01), and that in 5-Fu i.p. group was greatly higher than that at 5-Fu i.v. group (P < 0.01). In Co 5-Fu i.p. group, the concentration of drug in LN, CA, PE, NG, GO and LO decreased gradually with the former 3 tissues significantly higher than the latter 3 tissues (P < 0.01), and adjacent lymph node was the highest. In Co 5-Fu i.v. group, the ranking was LN, CA, NG, PE, GO and LO with the former 3 tissues significantly higher than the latter 3 tissues (P < 0.01) and showing tumor tissues higher than the other tissues (P < 0.01). In 5-Fu i.p. group, the ranking was PE, LN, CA, NG, GO and LO with the former 2 tissues significantly higher than the latter tissues (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONCo 5-Fu possesses drug targeting, slow release and long effect in gastric cancer tissues and adjacent lymph nodes. Preoperative chemotherapy with Co 5-Fu i.p. is more advantageous than 5-Fu given i.v. or 5-Fu i.p.

Aged ; Antimetabolites, Antineoplastic ; administration & dosage ; pharmacokinetics ; Female ; Fluorouracil ; administration & dosage ; pharmacokinetics ; Gastric Mucosa ; metabolism ; Humans ; Infusions, Parenteral ; Injections, Intravenous ; Liposomes ; Lymph Nodes ; metabolism ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Omentum ; metabolism ; Panax ; chemistry ; Peritoneum ; metabolism ; Polysaccharides ; administration & dosage ; isolation & purification ; pharmacokinetics ; Preoperative Care ; Stomach Neoplasms ; drug therapy ; metabolism ; pathology

OBJECTIVETo detect the expression of B7-H1 gene in bone marrow mononuclear cells (BMMNCs) from leukemia patients and explore its clinical implications.

METHODSThe B7-H1 mRNA expression levels of BMMNCs from 74 newly diagnosed leukemia patients and 10 normal volunteers were detected by real-time quantitative PCR. At the same time, BMMNCs from 12 patients in complete remission (CR) after chemotherapy and 5 in relapse were followed up. The correlation between the clinical features of 74 de novo leukemia patients and the expression level of B7-H1 gene was analyzed.

RESULTSThe mRNA expression level of B7-H1 gene in BMMNCs from de novo leukemia patients (RQ = 0.125) was lower than that from normal control (RQ=1). When patients achieved CR the gene expression level (RQ = 69.07) was significantly higher than that before CR (P = 0.001). After relapsed, its level (RQ=4) was still higher than that before CR (P > 0.05). No clinical parameters such as gender, age, peripheral white blood count, blast cells ratio in BM, CD34 positive cells were significantly correlated with the expression level of B7-H1 except the response to therapy. The initial expression level of B7-H1 gene in non CR patients after therapy was significantly higher than that in CR patients (RQ = 26. 91, P = 0.005).

CONCLUSIONThe mRNA expression level of B7-H1 gene in newly diagnosed leukemia patients is lower than that in normal controls, and is higher in CR patients than in newly diagnosed patients. There is a correlation between the gene expression level and responsiveness to therapy.

Adult ; Antigens, CD ; metabolism ; B7-H1 Antigen ; Female ; Humans ; Leukemia ; drug therapy ; genetics ; metabolism ; Male ; Middle Aged ; RNA, Messenger ; metabolism ; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effect of ulinastatin on intestinal mucosal barrier function of rats with obstructive jaundice.

METHODSSeventy-two male SD rats were randomly divided into sham operation, obstructive jaundice, and ulinastatin treatment groups (groups A, B, and C, respectively). In groups B and C, the common bile duct was ligated to induce obstructive jaundice. The rats in group C were given intraperitoneal injection of ulinastatin at the daily dose of 40,000 IU/kg after the operation, while those in groups A and group B received equal amount of normal saline. At 3, 5, 7 and 10 days after the operation, the liver function and plasma endotoxin level were evaluated and measured, and bacterial culture of the mesenteric lymph nodes, liver and spleen was performed. The terminal ileum mucosa was observed under light microscope, and the intestinal villi and mucosal thinckness was examined with image analysis system.

RESULTSThe indices relative to the liver function and plasma endotoxin level were higher at different time points of observation in group B than in group A (P<0.01), and were lower in group C than in group B (P<0.01). Plasma endotoxin level was similar between groups A and C 3 days after the operation (P>0.05). The rate of bacterial translocation was higher in group B than in group A and C (P<0.01, P<0.05), but comparable between groups A and C (P>0.05). Intestinal mucosal injury was observed in group B 3 days after operation, and aggravated with the passage of time. The injury was milder in group C. The intestinal villus length and mucosal thickness were greater in groups A and C than in group B (P<0.01 or P<0.05), but comparable between the former two groups 3 days after operation (P>0.05).

CONCLUSIONIn early stage of obstructive jaundice, the intestinal mucosal barrier may sustain injuries which aggravate with time; ulinastatin has significant effect in protecting the mucosal barrier function especially against early pathological changes.

Animals ; Bacterial Translocation ; drug effects ; Endotoxins ; blood ; Glycoproteins ; pharmacology ; Intestinal Mucosa ; drug effects ; microbiology ; pathology ; physiopathology ; Jaundice, Obstructive ; blood ; microbiology ; pathology ; physiopathology ; Liver ; drug effects ; physiopathology ; Male ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Time Factors

OBJECTIVETo analyse the clinical characteristics, treatments and prognosis of patients with T-cell non-Hodgkins lymphoma (NHL) in intermediate-high and high risk.

METHODSFifty-four patients with T-cell NHL classified intermediate-high and high risk were retrospectively analyzed.

RESULTSAccording to WHO classification criteria, there were 12 cases of T-lymphoblastic lymphoma (TLBL), 31 peripheral T-cell lymphoma unspecified (PTCL-U), and 11 hepatosplenic T-cell lymphoma (HSTCL). The IPI were 12 cases of intermediate-high risk and 42 high risk. Of them, 49 cases were bone marrow affected and 7 CNS affected. The response rate (RR) for the whole group was 86.5%, complete remission (CR) rate 67.3%, and 3-year survival rate 16.0%. The 3-year survival rates for haematopoietic stem cell transplantation and chemotherapy groups were 44.4% and 8.3%, respectively. Multi-factor analysis showed that choice of therapy modality, and achievement of remission were significant factors for overall survival.

CONCLUSIONT-NHL is a group of heterogeneous malignancies. The response rate of intermediate-high and high risk T- NHL, especially PTCL-U and LTBL, is not low, but its long-term outcome is poor. New treatment modality needs to be explored for these patients, and autologous HSCT is perhaps a good choice.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Lymphoma, T-Cell ; diagnosis ; therapy ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Prognosis ; Retrospective Studies ; Treatment Outcome

OBJECTIVETo explore the role of stromal cell-derived factor (SDF-1) and its specific receptor CXCR4 in the G-CSF-induced hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (HSPCs) mobilization in human healthy donor.

METHODSThe changes of SDF-1/CXCR4 in bone marrow (BM) and peripheral blood (PB) of healthy donors during G-CSF-induced mobilization were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), immunohistological staining and flow cytometry. SDF-1 neutralizing antibody wes injected into BALB/c mice to further test its effect on mobilization.

RESULTSSDF-1 concentration in mobilized BM (mBM), steady state BM (ssBM) and PB were(7.23 +/- 0.66) microg/L, (5.43 +/- 0.35) microg/L and (5.42 +/- 0.52) microg/L, respectively. SDF-1 protein levels were decreased in the BM (P < 0.05) after 5-day G-CSF injection, and its concentration gradient between BM and PB disappeared (P > 0.05). Significant up-regulation of CXCR4 expression was observed on mBM CD34 cells in healthy donors. The rate of CXCR4 expression on CD34 cells in ssBM, mBM and mobilized PB were (40.98 +/- 21.56)%, (65.80 +/- 24.68)% and (27.54 +/- 26.03)%, respectively. Comparing with that in ssBM and mBM, CXCR4 expression on mobilized PB CD34+ cells were significantly decreased (P < 0.05). Inhibition of SDF-1 signal by blocking monoclonal antibodies significantly reduced G-CSF-induced mobilization in BALB/c mice. This resulted in significant decrease of white blood cell count and progenitors mobilized into peripheral circulation.

CONCLUSIONG-CSF induces HSPCs mobilization by decreasing bone marrow SDF-1 and down-regulating CXCR4 expression on HSPCs.

Animals ; Chemokine CXCL12 ; metabolism ; physiology ; Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor ; pharmacology ; Hematopoietic Stem Cell Mobilization ; methods ; Humans ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; Receptors, CXCR4 ; metabolism ; physiology